Will Cho Kyu-seong (25, Jeonbuk), a national striker who became a “surprise star” at the Qatar World Cup, fulfill his dream of advancing to Europe in the new year?
For Cho Kyu-sung, 2022 was an unforgettable year.
After becoming the K-League 1 top scorer (17 goals) for the first time in his life, he participated in the Qatar World Cup finals and left a strong impression by scoring two goals in the second group match against Ghana.
It was a surprise performance that missed the expectation that he would play as Hwang Ui-jo (Olympiacos)’s backup in the first place.
Cho Kyu-seong, who played as a second-half substitute in the first group match against Uruguay, played as a starter in three consecutive matches, starting with Ghana and ending with Brazil in the round of 16, and took charge of the national team’s front line.
The ransom also soared through the World Cup. According to Transfermarkt, a European soccer transfer site, Cho’s ransom price rose from 600,000 euros in December last year to 2.5 million euros in one year.
It is about 3.4 billion won in Korean money.
In addition, as it is gaining great popularity with its athletic performance and good looks, the number of social network service (SNS) followers, which was about 20,000 before the World Cup, is close to 3 million.
It’s a Cinderella-like story. Cho Kyu-seong, who made his professional debut at FC Anyang in the K-League 2 (second division) in 2019, wore the uniform of Jeonbuk, the strongest K-League 1 team, in one season.
He experienced difficulties in the early days of enlisting, but after a year, he enlisted in Kimcheon Sangmu and wrote an anti-war drama.
In order to overcome the physical battle with the opposing defender, he increased his muscle mass, and at the same time reinforced his decisiveness and speed.
His steady efforts resulted in his first World Cup appearance and scoring.
Naturally, the gaze is directed to overseas expansion.
In an interview after returning to Korea after the Qatar World Cup, Cho Kyu-sung expressed his intention to transfer overseas, saying, “Of course, as a player, it is your dream to go out on the world stage and face world-class players.”
Confidence gained against world-class teams such as Uruguay, Ghana and Portugal also played a role.
Cho Kyu-sung emphasized that he had grown to the next level with the World Cup, saying, “I was able to play with confidence in terms of pitch, physical fight, and connection.”
Records also support this. Cho Kyu-seong took first place in the aerial competition in the World Cup group stage. He has won as many as 18 aerial contests.
In the second match of the group stage against Ghana, Cho Kyu-seong scored two goals with just a header in the second half of the 0-2 lead.
European clubs are also keeping an eye on Cho Kyu-seong, Korea’s next-generation goalscorer.
Amidst various rumors, there were reports that the famous Scottish Celtic, Fenerbahce (Turkiye), Dortmund (Germany), and Stade Rennes (France) wanted Cho Kyu-sung.
As Cho Kyu-sung showed potential in the World Cup, the range of options is very wide.
But the key is timing. Cho Kyu-seong, who was discharged in September of this year, has no obstacles due to his military service. However, his contract with Jeonbuk, his team, has three years left.
From Jeonbuk’s point of view, only when a proposal with satisfactory conditions comes, can Kyu-seong Cho be sent.
According to the football world, it is known that there is also a difference of opinion between Cho Kyu-seong and the Jeonbuk club. Cho Kyu-seong is in the position that he should try to enter Europe this winter, when the market value has risen.
However, Jeonbuk is deciding that it is better to use the transfer market next summer. If you go to Europe in winter, when the season is in full swing, you will have to face a difficult environment, such as having to adapt to the local area and break the existing competitive structure.
As a result, Cho Kyu-sung’s trip to Europe depends on whether there is a practical offer that satisfies the player and the club.
In addition, the intention of director Park Ji-seong, who is in charge of recruiting and transferring players in Jeonbuk, is also one of the important variables.
He recently showed a positive reaction to Cho Kyu-sung’s advance into Europe, but showed a cautious appearance, saying that the timing and the team to transfer to were important.
Will another European striker be born in 2023? Attention is drawn to Cho Kyu-sung’s actions.
[서울=뉴시스]